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Ebner played just 36 snaps as a sixth-round rookie, while the Pats loaded up on defensive backs in April's draft. Ebner showed well as a special teamer, but will have to prove he's a core part of New England's third unit to keep his roster spot. Mon, Jul 1, 2013 09:13:00 AM

Ebner was sidelined by an undisclosed injury after passing his initial camp physical. The missed time doesn't bode well for a player on the roster bubble, but Ebner should be given every opportunity to shine on special teams in the preseason. Sat, Aug 4, 2012 11:31:00 AM

Ebner won't play on defense, but the Pats hope to turn him into an impact special teamer. A former rugby player, Ebner's best asset is his ability to run down kicks. If his NFL career falls through, Ebner intends to return to rugby. Mon, May 21, 2012 06:37:00 PM

Ohio State assistant Mike Vrabel is convinced that Patriots seventh-round pick Nate Ebner can be a high-quality NFL special teamer.

Ebner is a 6-foot, 205-pound rugby player, but the Pats want him to be a special teams dynamo. "He can run through traffic without losing speed," explained Vrabel. "Guys that cover kicks and maintain their speed in traffic are what you're looking for." Ebner plans to return to rugby if his football career fails. Wed, May 9, 2012 02:10:00 PM

Depth Charts

U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman ordered Tom Brady and Roger Goodell to appear in court for two conferences on Aug. 12 and 19.

Berman requested the two sides "engage in comprehensive, good-faith settlement discussions prior to the conference on August 12." Though the judge did not mention the NFL's and NFLPA's joint request to have the case resolved by Sept. 4, the immediacy of the conferences suggests a resolution could be handed down quickly. Hopefully this ridiculous episode will come to an end before the season begins.

Blount was placed on the active/NFI list to start training camp after failing his conditioning test. His appearance in practice on Saturday suggests he passed the second time around. Blount should dominate the Patriots' early-down work once he returns from suspension in Week 2.

It's possible this is only a day-to-day injury after LaFell donned a protective boot on his foot during OTA season. He shed the boot in July, so it's quite conceivable the Patriots are just easing LaFell in. The fact that LaFell is a prominent fantasy player makes his situation worth monitoring.